The life and thoughts of a unintentional wanderer

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Arriving Home

It is a little over a week before I will board a plane back to Minneapolis, Minnesota and I have a million questions running through my mind. I didn’t expect this. I had questions, uncertainties, and anxieties about coming to England, but I didn’t think I would have any problem going back home. Up until now, I have been excited to go back: excited to see my friends, excited to see my family, excited to sleep in my own bed, and excited to see familiar things again. It’s not that I don’t like it here, but I do miss home. But now, questions are popping into my head and I don’t know what to do with them.

How have I changed? Will people think that I am different? Will my friends think I am weird? Will anyone understand my experience? Will my relationships with my friends and family change? For better or worse? Will I be disappointed when I return home? Will I miss England? Will it be hard to explain my experience? Will everyone have changed while I have been gone? Will everyone be the same as when I left? Will I fit in? Will I feel left out? Will it be hard to readjust? Will I just pick up like I never left? Will I keep in touch with the friends I have made here? Where do I belong now? How will my trip change the way I think or act? Will I be different? Will anyone care about my trip, or will people just ask the simple question “how was your trip” and not actually care?

When I arrive home, I have only three days before I have to jump right back into life. There are big changes ahead. First, my little sister is starting her first year at college and I am helping her move in. Shortly after that, I am moving into a new house for the school year. Then, I am starting a new job and new classes. And, finally, this is my first year of being a leader in Saint Paul’s Outreach, a Catholic group on campus, and the first week of school is our big kick-off with activities every day. I am going to have to deal with all these changes within the first week of being home. I am both excited and nervous for all that is coming my way.

So these are the things running through my mind as I enter my last week in Cambridge. I am trying not to think about all these questions and changes too much so that I can enjoy the rest of my time here. But going home will be an adventure and a journey, just like coming here, where I will learn more about myself and my ability to deal with uncertainties, questions, and change.

Welcome!

Hi! My name is Teresa. I am a photographer, writer, teacher, reader, tea drinker, and campus missionary from Minnesota. I'm currently living in Texas where I'm adjusting to the warm weather and fast driving. I love farmers markets, fresh flowers, art supplies, libraries, thrift stores, museums, and bike rides. I am excited to share my journey with you, so grab a cup of tea and take a look around.

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